West Nile detected in Fairborn for 2nd time; Area to be treated Monday

Only a few of the 59 species of mosquitoes in Ohio can transmit disease. However, the diseases these mosquitoes can carry are very serious and include: Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Ohio Department of Health

Credit: Ohio Department of Health

Only a few of the 59 species of mosquitoes in Ohio can transmit disease. However, the diseases these mosquitoes can carry are very serious and include: Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. CONTRIBUTED

West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito sample for the second time this summer in Fairborn.

Weather permitting, Greene County Public Health’s Environmental Health mosquito team will be spraying the areas of South Street, Central Street, Xenia Drive and North and South Second streets on Monday.

The spray targets adult mosquitoes and is in a concentration that isn’t a threat to humans or pets. according to Public Health. The spray becomes inactive within minutes of being applied and doesn’t impact vegetation.

Public Health has been trapping mosquitoes since June and will continue until October.

Public Health reported Fairborn’s first positive test for West Nile virus in August.

West Nile virus is mostly spread by infected mosquitoes and can lead to severe fever, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, according to Public Health. Mosquitoes can be infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes spread the virus to humans and other animals through their bite.

People can protect themselves from West Nile virus by removing standing pools of water, including bird baths, gutters, old tires and unused pools. They can also avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes rest and limit outdoor activities during the evening.

Wearing protective clothing, such as light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and pants also helps prevent exposure. People can wear insect repellents, particularly those containing DEET.

For more information about mosquito control, call Public Health at 937-374-5661 or email mosquitoteam@gcph.info.

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